Wireless remote vehicle signal indicator for supplementing existing vehicle signal indicators

ABSTRACT

A remote motor vehicle signal indicator system consists of a transmitter coupled to a vehicle indication signal drive line. The transmitter wirelessly transmits a receiver activation signal corresponding to a vehicle indication signal of the vehicle indication signal drive line. The vehicle indication signal is selected from the group consisting of a turn signal, a brake signal, a reverse gear signal, and a hazard signal. The system also includes a remote vehicle signal indicator coupled to a surface outside of the vehicle and includes a signal indicator display. The remote vehicle signal indicator receives the receiver activation signal from the transmitter and, in response, activates the signal indicator display. In some variations, a power supply not coupled to the vehicle power supply powers the remote vehicle signal indicator and the transmitter is powered by the vehicle indication signal.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to motor vehicle signalindicators, and more specifically to remote motor vehicle signalindicators outside of the motor vehicle. Even more specifically, thepresent invention relates to remote motor vehicle signal indicatorsoutside of the motor vehicle that are redundant to the existing vehiclesignal indicators provided in the vehicle.

[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0004] Motor vehicle signal indicators such as brake lamps, turn signalindicators, and reverse indicators are well recognized in the motorvehicle industry as essential elements to motor vehicle safety. Thesevehicle signal indicators are generally positioned at highly visiblelocations on the vehicle so that others can easily see them. However,even though these vehicle signal indicators are designed to be easilyviewed, a driver driving in a vehicle's “blind spot” may have difficultyseeing the turn signal indicator of the vehicle.

[0005] Thus, to increase the visibility of a motor vehicle, and toenhance motor vehicle safety, it is often desirable to supplement anexisting motor vehicle's turn signal indicators with additional turnsignal indicators. These additional or supplemental turn signalindicators are typically mounted to an exterior surface of a motorvehicle's body in a highly visible area, such as on the side mirrors,for example.

[0006] Such supplemental turn signal indicators are often provided“after market” and must be installed by the vehicle owner or othervehicle servicer. Thus, these external supplemental turn signalindicators require wiring to provide both power and the turn signal tothe turn signal indicator. Typically, these wires are fed from thesource of the turn signal, which is within the vehicle, through the bodyof the motor vehicle at the point where the external signal indicator isaffixed to the vehicle. Disadvantageously, since the supplemental signalindicators are redundant to the existing signal indicators of thevehicle, holes must be provided, e.g., drilled into the motor vehicle'sdoor or body, to allow the power and signal wires from within thevehicle to be coupled to the external signal indicator. Thus,installation is difficult and expensive.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention advantageously addresses the needs above aswell as other needs by providing a remote vehicle signal indicator thatmay be affixed to areas on a vehicle, e.g., cars, trucks, and trailers,in locations where supplemental signal indicators are desired withouthaving to provide wiring between the remote vehicle signal indicator andthe vehicle.

[0008] In one embodiment, the invention can be characterized as a remotevehicle signal indicator system for a vehicle including a transmittercoupled to a vehicle indication signal drive line of the vehicle. Thetransmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit a receiver activationsignal corresponding to a vehicle indication signal of the vehicleindication signal drive line. The vehicle indication signal is selectedfrom the group consisting of a turn signal, a brake signal, a reversegear signal, and a hazard signal. The remote vehicle signal indicatorsystem also includes a remote vehicle signal indicator coupled to asurface outside of the vehicle that includes a signal indicator display.The remote vehicle signal indicator is configured to receive thereceiver activation signal from the transmitter and, in response,activate the signal indicator display.

[0009] In another embodiment, the invention can be characterized as aremote vehicle signal indicator of a remote vehicle signal indicatorsystem for a vehicle including a housing coupled to a surface outside ofthe vehicle and a receiver within the housing. The receiver isconfigured to wirelessly receive receiver activation signals from atransmitter coupled to the vehicle. The receiver activation signalscorrespond to vehicle indication signals generated by the vehicle. Thevehicle indication signals are selected from the group consisting of aturn signal, a brake signal, reverse gear signal and a hazard signal.Additionally, a signal indicator display is coupled to the receiver andconfigured to display, in response to a received receiver activationsignal, a remote vehicle indication signal corresponding to the vehicleindication signals generated by the vehicle.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the invention may be characterized as atransmitting device of a remote vehicle signal indicator system for avehicle including a housing attached to the vehicle and a signalmonitoring line coupled to a vehicle indication signal drive line of thevehicle. The signal monitoring line is configured to receive vehicleindication signals from the vehicle indication signal drive line. Thevehicle indication signals are selected from the group consisting of aturn signal, a brake signal, reverse gear signal and a hazard signal.The transmitting device also includes a transmitter within the housingand coupled to the signal monitoring line. The transmitter is configuredto wirelessly transmit a receiver activation signal corresponding to thevehicle indication signals of the vehicle indication signal drive lineto a remote vehicle signal indicator located outside of the vehicle inorder to provide additional signal displays to those coupled to thevehicle indication signal drive line.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the invention may be characterized asa method of providing additional vehicle signal indicators for avehicle, including the steps of: wirelessly receiving a receiveractivation signal at a remote vehicle signal indicator coupled to asurface outside of the vehicle wherein the receiver activation signal istransmitted from the vehicle, the receiver activation signalcorresponding to a vehicle indication signal generated within thevehicle wherein the vehicle indication signal is selected from the groupconsisting of a turn signal, a brake signal, a reverse gear signal, anda hazard signal; and displaying, in response to the wirelesslyreceiving, a remote vehicle indication signal corresponding to thevehicle indication signal generated within the vehicle, in order toprovide additional signal displays to those provided within the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will be more apparent from the following moreparticular description thereof, presented in conjunction with thefollowing drawings wherein:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a remote vehicle signal indicator inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing an implementation of theremote vehicle signal indicator of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment ofthe invention;

[0015]FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing another implementation ofthe remote vehicle signal indicator of FIG. 1 according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a detailed schematic view of one embodiment of theremote vehicle signal indicator of FIG. 1, such as implemented inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a wireless remote vehiclesignal indicator system according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0018]FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating the steps for transmitting awireless vehicle signal indication to a remote vehicle signal indicatoraccording to one embodiment of the invention;

[0019]FIG. 5B is a flowchart illustrating the steps for displaying asignal received wirelessly at a remote vehicle signal indicatoraccording to one embodiment of the invention;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the transmitter of FIG. 4according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the receiver, powersupply, display driver, and display of the remote vehicle signalindicator of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0022]FIG. 8A is a view of an alternative embodiment of the inventionwherein remote vehicle signal indicators are affixed to a rear viewmirror and affixed to a trailer to supplement existing turn indicatorlamps;

[0023]FIG. 8B is a view of an another alternative embodiment of thepresent invention wherein remote vehicle signal indicators are affixedto an oversized trailer, such as a truck, and are used to supplement theoversized trailer's existing brake lamps and turn indicator lamps;

[0024]FIG. 9 is a view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention in which centralized solar panels provide power to one or moreremote vehicle signal indicators.

[0025] Corresponding reference characters indicate correspondingcomponents throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense,but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principlesof the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined withreference to the claims.

[0027] Referring first to FIG. 1, shown is a schematic view of a remotevehicle signal indicator 100 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Shown are the remote vehicle signal indicator 100, areceiver housing 102, a receiver activation signal 110, a solar panel115, a side mirror assembly 120, display 140 (also referred to as avehicle indicator display), a reflective element 130, a casing 105, aneck 160 and a stationary panel 150.

[0028] The side mirror assembly 120 (which may be referred to as a sideview mirror) includes the casing 105, the reflective element 130, theneck 160, and the stationary panel 150. The casing 105 supports andpartially encloses the reflective element 130. The casing 105 is alsoconnected with and supported by the neck 160. The neck 160 is connectedwith the stationary panel 150, and the stationary panel 150 is connectedwith the exterior portion of a vehicle which is not shown. The sidemirror assembly 120 is typically located along the exterior of a vehiclesuch as a car or truck, and is typically situated on the vehicle in alocation that is visible by both the driver of the car or truck andother vehicles. While the side mirror assembly 120 is shown as a left ordriver side mirror assembly for attachment to a left side of thevehicle, it should be understood that the side mirror assembly 120 maybe a right side mirror assembly for attachment to the right side of thevehicle.

[0029] The remote vehicle signal indicator 100 which includes thedisplay 140, the receiver housing 102, and the solar panel 115 isconnected with the exposed face of the reflective surface 130, and thereceiver activation signal 110 is transmitted from a location within oron the vehicle and received by the remote vehicle signal indicator 100.

[0030] According to several embodiments of the invention, the remotevehicle signal indicator 100 is part of a wireless vehicle signalindicator system including the remote vehicle signal indicator 100 and awireless signal transmitter (not shown in FIG. 1) located within or onthe vehicle and coupled to the vehicle's internal signal indicators.According to one embodiment, the remote vehicle signal indicator 100 andthe wireless signal transmitter within the vehicle include a radiofrequency (RF) receiver and an RF transmitter, as known in the art. Inpractice, the remote vehicle signal indicator 100 wirelessly receivesthe receiver activation signal 110 that is wirelessly transmitted fromthe transmitter within the vehicle, and in response, provides asupplemental vehicle signal indicator via the display 140 that issimilar to the vehicle's existing signal indicators. For example, whenan existing left wired turn indicator of the vehicle is activated sothat it is flashing on and off, the remote vehicle signal indicator 100(when programmed to be a left wireless turn signal indicator) provides asupplemental vehicle signal indicator via the display 140 that flasheson and off together with the existing wired turn indicator of thevehicle.

[0031] According to several embodiments of the invention, the remotevehicle signal indicator 100 is a self contained wireless signalreceiver. In practical terms, this means that the remote vehicle signalindicator 100 is not reliant upon power from the vehicle or signal wiresfrom the vehicle; thus, the remote vehicle signal indicator 100 may beeasily attached and positioned by adhesion (e.g., chemical adhesive,mechanical and/or magnetic coupling) upon convenient exterior surfacesof the vehicles without concern for drilling holes or providing otheraccess to the interior of the vehicle to connect with signal and/orpower wires. This is because the remote vehicle signal indicator 100receives the signals to operate (e.g., the receiver activation signal110) wirelessly from a transmitter within the vehicle. Further, theremote signal indicator 100 includes its own power supply and is notreliant upon power from within the vehicle. In the embodimentillustrated, the solar panel 115 is integrated as part of the remotevehicle signal indicator 100, and provides energy to operate the remotevehicle signal indicator 100 (e.g., to charge a battery within theremote vehicle signal indicator 100). In other embodiments, a batterysource is provided within the receiver housing 102 without the use ofthe solar panel 115.

[0032] The display 140, is located on an exposed face of the remotevehicle signal indicator 100, and as shown in FIG. 1, is a series oflamps, e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs), that illuminate in responseto the receiver activation signal 110 being received at the remotevehicle signal indicator 100. As discussed further with reference toFIG. 3, the display 140 may be any light source that is visible todrivers and pedestrians that are in the vicinity of the vehicle, such asincandescent lamps or LEDs. In the embodiment illustrated, the display140 comprises a series of lamps that are arranged as an arrowrepresenting a turn indicator display. In other embodiments, the signaldisplay may have other arrangements of lamps, optionally with reflectorsand lenses, that provide a desired level and/or desired direction ofillumination.

[0033] The remote vehicle signal indicator 100 as shown may be attachedto with the reflective surface 130 of the side mirror assembly 120.Advantageously, the remote vehicle signal indicator 100 may be attachedto the reflective surface 130 with an adhesive, such as an epoxy, andneed not be affixed with hardware, such as screws, which may damage thereflective element 130 and/or the remote vehicle signal indicator 100.In other embodiments, however, the remote vehicle signal indicator 100may be attached with hardware where it is either convenient or moredesirable to do so.

[0034] In other embodiments, the remote vehicle signal indicator 100 maybe positioned at other desirable locations on the exterior of thevehicle, or on trailers, e.g., tractor trailers, boat trailers, lightduty trailers, etc., that are pulled by the vehicle, or on objectscarried by trailers, e.g., boats, cars, bikes, boxes and crates where,for example, the wired turn indicators supplied with the vehicle ortrailer by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are inadequate.

[0035] In other embodiments, the receiver activation signal 110, and theremote vehicle signal indicator 100 are configured to provide additionalvehicle signal indications other than turn signal indications. Forexample, the receiver activation signal 110 may be indicative of variouswired or existing signal indicators on the vehicle including, withoutlimitation, the vehicle's existing brake indicators, reverse gearindicators, and/or hazard signal indicators. Thus, in some embodiments,the remote vehicle signal indicator 100 provides redundant vehicle brakeindicators, reverse gear indicators, and/or hazard indicators. In suchembodiments, the remote vehicle signal indicator may be positioned atany desired location on the vehicle, e.g., along the side of thevehicle, at the rear of the vehicle, or on a trailer or other objectbeing towed by the vehicle.

[0036] Referring next to FIG. 2A, shown is a schematic diagram showingone implementation of the remote vehicle signal indicator 100 of FIG. 1.Shown is a vehicle 200, two side mirror assemblies 120, a turn indicatorgenerator 202, a signal light beam spread 207, a transmitter 210, a leftwired turn signal indicator 232, a right wired turn signal indicator234, left signal monitoring line 270, right signal monitoring line 280,left signal line tap 220, right signal line tap 230, remote vehiclesignal indicators 100, a left turn signal driveline 250, a right turnsignal driveline 260, a transmission antenna 240, and a ground line 290.

[0037] The turn signal generator 202, shown in this embodiment in asteering column of the vehicle 200 is coupled with the left signaldriveline 250 and the right signal driveline 260. The left signaldriveline 250 and the right signal driveline 260, which may be referredto generally as vehicle indication signal drivelines, are each coupledto the left wired turn signal indicator 232 and the right wired turnsignal indicator 234, respectively (which may be referred to generallyas wired signal indicators). The left signal monitoring line 270 iscoupled with the left signal driveline 250 at the left signal line tap220. The right signal monitoring line 280 is coupled with the rightsignal driveline 260 at the right signal line tap 230. The transmitter210, shown in this embodiment in the trunk of the vehicle 200, iscoupled to the transmission antenna 240, the left signal monitoring line270, the right signal monitoring line 280, and the ground line 290 whichmay be a body ground return wire. The remote vehicle signal indicators100 are connected with the side mirror assembly 120 located on the leftside of the vehicle 200 and the side mirror assembly 120 located on theright side of the vehicle 200.

[0038] In operation, when an operator of the vehicle 200 actuates a turnsignal lever, the turn signal lever trips a switch within the turnsignal generator 202. In response, the turn signal generator 202generates either, an electrical signal (which may be referred togenerically as a “vehicle indication signal”) on the left signaldriveline 250 when the turn signal lever is actuated in a direction toindicate a left turn, or an electrical signal (which also may bereferred to generically as a “vehicle indication signal”) on the rightsignal driveline 260 when the turn signal lever is actuated in adirection to indicate a right turn. In the present embodiment, the rightsignal driveline 260 and the left signal driveline 250 are wires thatcarry the vehicle indication signals to the left wired turn signalindicator 232, and the right wired turn signal indicator 234respectively. The vehicle indication signals that drive the left wiredturn signal indicator 232, and the right wired turn signal indicator 234via the left signal driveline 250 and the right signal driveline 260respectively are typically a series of electrical energy pulses withsufficient power to illuminate the left wired turn signal indicator 232,and the right wired turn signal indicator 234.

[0039] The left signal monitoring line 270 and the right signalmonitoring line 280 receive the electrical signals, i.e., the vehicleindication signals, generated by the turn signal generator 202 at theleft signal line tap 220 and the right signal line tap 230 respectively,and carry the vehicle indication signals to the transmitter 210. In oneembodiment, the left signal line tap 220 and the right signal line tap230 are commonly available insulation-displacement conductors whichallow the left signal monitoring line 270 and the right signalmonitoring line 280 to tap into the left signal driveline 250 and theright signal driveline 260 respectively without cutting or disconnectingeither the left signal driveline 250 or the right signal driveline 260.Other methods of tapping into the left signal driveline 250 and theright signal driveline 260 as known in the art are contemplated and wellwithin the scope of the present invention.

[0040] In response to the received vehicle indication signal, thetransmitter 210, as discussed in further detail with reference to FIGS.6 and 7, produces a receiver activation signal that is broadcast to bothremote vehicle signal indicators. For example, the receiver activationsignals may be either a left indicator activation signal, in response toa vehicle indication signal from the left signal monitoring line 270, ora right indicator activation signal vehicle indication signal inresponse to a vehicle indication signal from the right signal monitoringline 280.

[0041] As further discussed with reference to FIG. 7, the remote vehiclesignal indicators 100 are independently programmable so as to respondonly to either right indicator activation signals or left indicatoractivation signals. Thus, remote vehicle signal indicators 100 placed ona left, or driver side, of the vehicle 200 are programmable to respondto only left indicator activation signals, and remote vehicle signalindicators 100 placed on a right, or passenger side, of the vehicle 200are programmable to respond to only right indicator activation signals.Both the left and right indicator activation signals broadcast by thetransmitter 210 may be referred to generically as receiver activationsignals. According to several embodiments, the receiver activationsignals provided by the transmitter 210 are encoded to activate onlyremote vehicle signal indicators 100 on the particular vehicle 200 sothat other remote vehicle signal indicators 100 located on othervehicles will not respond to the signal from the transmitter 210. Thereceiver activation signal is then broadcast wirelessly via thetransmission antenna 240. Again, it is noted that the receiveractivation signals may correspond to brake, hazard, or reverse gearsignals that activate remote vehicle signal indicators 100 that areprogrammed to receive and respond to such signals.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention the transmissionantenna 240 is displayed as a quarter-wavelength resonant “whip” or“longwire”, that may be realized in the form of a 0.05 inch diametercarbon fiber rod for durability, whether within, or outside of, thetrunk. To realize higher transmission gains in some embodiments, thetransmission antenna 240, and antenna elements of the remote vehiclesignal indicators 100 reside in approximately a horizontal plane.

[0043] According to one embodiment, a transmission frequency of 315 MHzmay be employed utilizing a whip antenna about nine inches in length. Atthis frequency, many apertures in the automobile body are of the sameorder of size as the wavelength; further, the rim of the trunk lid,spaced from the body by a rubber weather seal constitutes an effectiveslot radiator. Even at transmitter power less than 100 milliwatts, itcan be empirically demonstrated that at this frequency, RF energypassing through this trunk slot inevitably finds its' way, proceedingfrom both diffraction and reflection effects of the emittedelectromagnetic waves, to antenna elements of the remote vehicle signalindicators 100. Thus, even in an otherwise sealed metallic trunk, theradiant RF energy has effective access to the antenna elements of remotevehicle indicators 100 mounted on the mirror assemblies 120 near thefront of the vehicle 200, and effective access to remote signalindicators 100 which may be mounted at the rear of the vehicle 200 or ontrailers or other vehicles towed by the vehicle 200. As discussed inmore detail with reference to FIG. 6, in other embodiments, thetransmission antenna 240 may be a coiled loop antenna or a resonanthelix antenna, and other convenient transmission frequencies may beused.

[0044] The remote vehicle signal indicators 100, shown on both of themirror assemblies 120, receive the receiver activation signal andprovide an additional or supplemental vehicle indication display that isredundant to the vehicle indication signal (e.g., turn signal, hazardsignal, reverse gear signal, brake signal, etc.) of the vehicle 200. Inone embodiment, the remote vehicle signal indicators 100 are eachprogrammable to allow the user to match the transmitter 210 to one ormore particular remote vehicle signal indicator(s). Additionally, in theone embodiment, each remote vehicle signal indicator 100 is programmableso as to be identifiable as either a left or right turn signalindicator. In other words, in the one embodiment, the user may programeach of the remote vehicle signal indicators 100 as a left signalindicator or a right signal indicator, and to respond to receiveractivation signals from the transmitter 210, but not similartransmitters located within other vehicles. Once the remote vehiclesignal indicator 100 receives a receiver activation signal from amatching transmitter, the remote vehicle signal indicator 100 provides,as previously discussed, an illuminated display that is similar to thedisplay provided by the wired turn signal indicators 232, 234.

[0045] While the transmitter 210 and the remote vehicle signalindicators 100 have been described as providing supplemental turnindicator displays, in other embodiments, other types of vehicledisplays may be supplemented in much the same way the wired turn signalindicators 232, 234 are supplemented. For example, the remote vehiclesignal indicators 100 may be implemented to supplement the vehicle'shazard displays, brake displays, and reverse gear displays. In theseadditional embodiments, the existing brake lamp, reverse gear lampand/or hazard lamp driving wires may be tapped in a similar manner asthe left signal driveline 250, and the right signal drive line 260 aretapped as discussed above.

[0046] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the transmitter 210 utilizespower from the electrical signal, i.e., the vehicle indication signal,transmitted over the left signal driveline 250, and/or the right signaldriveline 260 to provide power to the active elements, e.g., circuitry,of the transmitter 210. Thus, the transmitter 210, in some embodiments,is not required to be directly coupled to a vehicle 200 power supply orto include its own power supply. In these embodiments, not only does thetransmitter 210 receive the vehicle indication signal, triggering thetransmission of a corresponding wireless receiver activation signal tothe remote vehicle signal indicator 100, the transmitter 210 alsoobtains operating power from the same vehicle indication signal. Thisenables the transmitter 210 to be attached at convenient locationswithin the vehicle that are not located near the vehicle power;therefore, providing simple, inexpensive installation. In otherembodiments where, e.g., remote vehicle signal indicators 100 areutilized to supplement existing brake lamp and reverse lamp displays,electrical signals transmitted over the brake lamp or reverse lampdriving lines may be utilized to power the transmitter 210 as well. Inyet other embodiments, the transmitter 210 may not utilize the power ofthe display signal received from the vehicle's 200 left signal driveline250, and/or the right signal driveline 260 for power. In suchembodiments, the transmitter 210 is coupled to the vehicle's 200 batterypower or another power source.

[0047] Although the vehicle 200 shown in the present embodiment is apassenger automobile, in other embodiments the vehicle may be a bus,truck, tractor-trailer, boat trailer, towed automobile, etc.Furthermore, the term vehicle as used herein also includes objects,e.g., crates, boxes, bicycles, motorcycles that are carried by vehicles.As such, the remote vehicle signal indicator 100 is suited for use withany means of ground transportation where it is desirable to supplementexisting signal indicators, e.g., the wired signal indicators 232, 234.

[0048] Referring next to FIG. 2B, shown is a schematic diagram showinganother implementation of the remote vehicle signal indicator 100 ofFIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. Shown is thevehicle 200, the two side mirror assemblies 120, the turn indicatorgenerator 202, a dashboard 205, the signal light beam spread 207, thetransmitter 210, the left wired turn signal indicator 232, the rightwired turn signal indicator 234, the left signal monitoring line 270,the right signal monitoring line 280, the left signal line tap 220, theright signal line tap 230, the remote vehicle signal indicators 100, theleft turn signal driveline 250, the right turn signal driveline 260, thetransmission antenna 240, and the ground line 290.

[0049] The turn signal generator 202, shown in this embodiment in asteering column of the vehicle 200 is coupled with the left signaldriveline 250 and the right signal driveline 260. The left signaldriveline 250 and the right signal driveline 260, which may be referredto generally as vehicle indication signal drivelines, are each coupledto the left wired turn signal indicator 232 and the right wired turnsignal indicator 234, respectively (which may be referred to generallyas wired signal indicators). The left signal monitoring line 270 iscoupled with the left signal driveline 250 at the left signal line tap220. The right signal monitoring line 280 is coupled with the rightsignal driveline 260 at the right signal line tap 230. The transmitter210, shown in this embodiment at the underside of the dashboard 205 ofthe vehicle 200, is coupled to the transmission antenna 240, the leftsignal monitoring line 270, the right signal monitoring line 280, andthe ground line 290. The remote vehicle signal indicators 100 areconnected with the side mirror assembly 120 located on the left side ofthe vehicle 200 and the side mirror assembly 120 located on the rightside of the vehicle 200.

[0050] In operation, the present embodiment of the invention functionsin the same manner as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A except thatthe transmitter 210 is located under the dashboard 205 of the vehicle,rather than in the trunk (as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2A).Thus, the transmitter 210 may be located at locations of the vehicleother than the trunk. This alternate location may be helpful in allowingthe transmitter to effectively broadcast to the desired remote vehiclesignal indicators 100 depending on the structure and resonant featuresof the vehicle. By coupling the transmitter to alternate locations ofthe vehicle, the installer may place the transmitter in a location thatmay provide the best transmission of the signal from the transmitter210. Furthermore, the installer may choose the location that is easierand less expensive for installation purposes.

[0051] While the transmitter 210 has been shown in the trunk and theunderside of the dashboard of the vehicle, it should be understood thatin other embodiments the location of the transmitter 210 is not limitedto these locations. For example, without limitation, the transmitter 210may be located under a hood of the vehicle 200, to the vehicle chassis,on the underside of the vehicle 200 (e.g., in a pickup truck that doesnot have a trunk or in a truck bed), and on a towing hitch of thevehicle 200. Thus, the transmitter 210 is not required to be locatedwithin the vehicle itself. Referring next to FIG. 3, shown is a detailedschematic view of one embodiment a remote vehicle signal indicator 300as attached to the side mirror assembly of the vehicle 200. Shown arethe reflective element 130, the casing 105, a remote vehicle signalindicator enclosure 325, a signal indicator display 380, a displayreflector 340, a front surface 330, a solar panel 350, incident solarrays 370, and an antenna element 360.

[0052] The remote vehicle signal indicator enclosure 325 is connectedwith reflective element 130 of the side mirror assembly 120. The remotevehicle signal indicator enclosure 325 surrounds the front surface 330,and houses the solar panel 350. The antenna element 360 is coupled tothe enclosure 325. The incident solar rays 370 are shown impinging uponthe solar panel 350.

[0053] In practice, the remote vehicle signal indicator enclosure 325may be attached to the surface of the reflective element 130 with anindustrial-grade adhesive; thus, allowing the remote vehicle signalindicator 300 to be affixed without drilling holes or otherwiseaffecting the integrity of the reflective element 130 or the casing 105or the body of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the remote vehiclesignal indicator 300 may be affixed with other securing hardware, e.g.,screws. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the remote vehicle signalindicator 300 may be affixed to other locations on the vehicle 200, atrailer pulled by the vehicle 200 or objects carried by the vehicle. Topermit easy installation and removal, the remote vehicle signalindicator 300 may be equipped with a magnetic backing; thus, allowingplacement of the remote vehicle signal indicator 300 on ferromagneticsurfaces (e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel, and alloys containing theseelements) of the vehicle 200, objects carried by the vehicle 200, and/ortrailers pulled by the vehicle 200 without chemical adhesive and/orother fasters (e.g., screws).

[0054] The front surface 330 may be a convex, mirrored surface thatprovides a wide angle view of the rearward facing direction when viewedby a driver of the vehicle 200. Such a convex mirrored surfaceadvantageously mitigates any loss in the rearward viewing area, i.e.,the area alongside and behind the vehicle 200, when the remote vehiclesignal indicator 100 is affixed to the reflective surface 130 of a sideview mirror, and may provide a better view of other vehicles within thevehicle's ordinary “blind spot”. In other embodiments, the front surface330 may be substantially flat, and in yet other embodiments, may benon-reflective.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the signal indicator display 380 is acollection of one or more light sources, e.g., lamps that provideillumination in a manner similar to the wired signal indicators of thevehicle. For example, the signal indicator display 380 may providepulses of light synchronous with the vehicle's 200 existing wired turnsignal indicators, or, for example, the signal indicator display 380 mayprovide constant illumination over the same time periods as thevehicle's 200 existing wired brake lamp indicators. In the presentembodiment, the signal display, as shown in FIG. 3, is a linear array oflight emitting diodes (LEDS) that may be may be high efficiency redLEDS.

[0056] The display reflector 340, illustrated in one embodiment as nearthe bottom of, and within a “cut out” of the front surface 330, providesa reflector, that may be parabolic in shape, designed to collectindirect light emanating from the light sources with the signalindicator display 380 and direct the indirect light away from the frontsurface 330 so that other pedestrians or vehicles in close proximitywith the vehicle 200 may see the a signal light beam spread 207generated by the signal indicator display 380. The signal indicatordisplay 380 may be positioned behind the focal point of the displayreflector 340, and in one embodiment, as is shown in FIG. 3, thehorizontal aperture of the display reflector 340 may be larger than thevertical aperture of the display reflector 340. In such an orientation,the display reflector 340 may be designed to provide the signal lightbeam spread 207 with a horizontal divergence of approximately 60 degreesand a vertical divergence of about 20 degrees. Such beam angles havebeen found to provide an overall beam spread to make the remote vehiclesignal indicator 300 visible from other vehicles that are positioned intypical following or passing locations. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that various display reflector 340 designs may besatisfactorily employed to accommodate varying patterns, e.g., vertical,circular, and arrow shaped patterns, of the signal indicator display 380while delivering the signal light beam spread 207 in a manner visible toother motorists and pedestrians. It is noted that while five LED's areillustrated in the signal indicator display 380, it should be understoodthat the number of light sources may be varied so that as few as one ortwo light sources, e.g., LED light sources, may be used. Additionally,the type of light sources utilized in the signal indicator display 380may be varied depending upon the particular power available, lightsources available, and/or visual effects desired. Further, nothing inthis application should be interpreted to exclude the use of lensingmaterials, whether colored or clear, articulated or flat, to realizedesired propagation characteristics for the signal indicator display380.

[0057] Under daylight conditions, the solar panel 350, in the presentembodiment, provides electrical power to charge batteries (not shown)that are internal to the remote vehicle signal indicator enclosure 325.The solar panel 350 may be alternatively comprised of polycrystalline oramorphous silicon photocells that convert solar energy into electricalenergy. It should be noted that while the solar panel 350 is shownsituated atop the remote vehicle signal indicator enclosure 325, it maybe designed to wrap around the portions of the remote vehicle signalindicator enclosure 325 that receive solar energy exposure, oralternatively, the solar panel 350, as discussed with reference to FIG.9, may be located remotely from the signal indicator enclosure 325 on,for example, a top surface of the casing 105, on a roof of the vehicle200, or on a top of a trailer pulled by the vehicle 200. As furtherdiscussed with reference to FIG. 7, the batteries receive energy fromthe solar panel 350 and store power that is later delivered to theelectrical components, e.g., signal receiving elements and displaydriver elements, within the remote vehicle signal indicator 300. Thebatteries charged by the solar panel 350 may be any suitablerechargeable battery, e.g., nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) or lithium ion(Li-ion) storage panels, or other batteries of sufficient power andenergy to sustain operation of the remote vehicle signal indicator 300during periods of low light or darkness. In other embodiments, thebatteries may be non-rechargeable, disposable batteries that power theelectrical components within the remote vehicle signal indicator 300without being charged or supplemented by the solar panel 350. In yetother embodiments, where, for example, a power source is readilyavailable, the remote vehicle signal indicator 300 may obtain power froma readily available power source, and thus, need not operate under powerreceived from either batteries or the solar panel 350 at all.

[0058] Referring next to FIG. 4, shown is a functional block diagram ofa wireless remote vehicle signal indicator system according to oneembodiment of the invention.

[0059] While referring to FIG. 4, concurrent reference will be made toFIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, which are flowcharts illustrating the stepsperformed, in one embodiment, by a transmitter 430 and a remote vehiclesignal indicator 400 in supplementing a vehicle's existing wired signalindicators.

[0060] Shown are the transmitter 430, a transmitting antenna 440, theleft signal monitoring line 270, and the right signal monitoring line280. Also shown is the remote vehicle signal indicator 400 that includesa receiving antenna 450, a receiver 460, a display driver 480, a display490 (which may be referred to as a signal indicator display), and apower supply 470.

[0061] The receiving antenna 450 is coupled to the receiver 460, and thereceiver 460 is coupled to the power supply 470 and the display driver480. The display driver 480 is coupled to the display 490 and the powersupply 470. The left signal monitoring line 270 and the right signalmonitoring line 280 are coupled to the transmitter 430. The transmitter430 is coupled to the transmitting antenna 440. The transmitting antenna440 transmits signals wirelessly to the receiving antenna 450.

[0062] The transmitter 430, as is discussed in further detail withreference to FIG. 6, monitors the left and right signal drivelines 250,260, for a vehicle indication signal (Step 510 of FIG. 5A), e.g., anelectrical signal that may be a pulsed electrical turn indicator signal,at the left and right signal line tap 220, 230 by monitoring for thevehicle indication signals at the left signal monitoring line 270 andthe right signal monitoring line 280.

[0063] Next, when a vehicle indication signal is on the vehicle signaldrivelines 250, 260, the transmitter 430 receives the vehicle indicationsignal (Step 515 of FIG. 5A), the transmitter 430 receives and processesthe vehicle indication signal and generates a receiver activation signal(Step 520 of FIG. 5A), as discussed further in reference to FIG. 6, bymodulating a carrier wave in response to the received vehicle indicationsignal. The receiver activation signal corresponds to the vehicleindication signal that is generated within the vehicle. For example, thereceiver activation signal is a pulsed signal that is synchronous withthe vehicle indication signal. The transmitter 430 then transmits thereceiver activation signal to the remote vehicle signal indicator 400(Step 525 of FIG. 5A) wirelessly via the transmitting antenna 440.

[0064] The receiver 460, as discussed in further detail with referenceto FIG. 7, monitors the receiving antenna 450 for the receiveractivation signal from the transmitter 430 (Step 530 of FIG. 5B). Next,the receiver activation signal is received (Step 535 of FIG. 5B) at theremote vehicle signal indicator 400, e.g., the receiver 460 receives anddemodulates the receiver activation signal to obtain the vehicleindication signal.

[0065] The display driver 480 receives the vehicle indication signal andgenerates a display signal (Step 540 of FIG. 5B) that providessufficient power at an appropriate voltage to drive, i.e., illuminate,the display 490.

[0066] The display 490, receives the display signal, and in response,illuminates the display 490 (Step 545 of FIG. 5B). The display signaland the illumination level of the display 490 correspond to the vehicleindication signal which, in the present embodiment, corresponds toeither the left or right wired turn indicators of the vehicle 200. Forexample, if the vehicle indication signal is a turn signal, both thedisplay signal and the illumination level of the display 490 will bepulse-like. Therefore, in this example, the display 490, which mayinclude, for example, the signal indicator display 380, illuminatessynchronously with an existing, flashing, wired turn signal indicator232 or 234 of the vehicle 200. However, in other embodiments, thevehicle indication signal corresponds to other vehicle signalindications, e.g., brake lights, reverse lights, hazard lights, etc.,having static durations, or pulse widths and repetition rates asrequired.

[0067] The power supply 470 of the remote vehicle signal indicator 400provides operational power to both the receiver 460 and the displaydriver 480. The power supply may utilize a combination of solar energyconversion along with energy storage devices, e.g., batteries, toprovide this operational power.

[0068] Referring next to FIG. 6, shown is one embodiment of thetransmitter 430 of FIG. 4. Shown is the left signal line tap 220, theright signal line tap, 230, the left signal drive line 250, the rightsignal driveline 260, the left signal monitoring line 270, the rightsignal monitoring line 280, a body ground padeye 603 (also referred toas a “ground connection”), a bipolar rectifier 605, a left signal input607, a right signal input 609, a left signal rectifier diode 615, aright signal rectifier diode 625, a storage capacitor 620, aprogrammable serial encoder 630, serial fusing links 631 (alternativelyreferred to as serial cutting links 631), a radio frequency (RF)transmitter 640, a data framing clock 650, a crystal 655, an impedancematching network 660, and a transmission antenna 670.

[0069] The left signal monitoring line 270 is coupled to the left signaldrive line 250 at the left signal line tap 220. The right signalmonitoring line 280 is coupled to the right signal drive line 260 at theright signal line tap 230. As discussed above, the left signalmonitoring line 270 and the right signal monitoring line 280 receive theelectrical signals, i.e., the left and right turn signals (genericallyknown as the vehicle indication signals), generated in the operation ofthe vehicle 200. The left signal monitoring line 270 and the rightsignal monitoring line 280 carry the vehicle indication signals to theleft input 607 and the right input 609 of the bipolar rectifier 605respectively. The body ground padeye 603, also connected with thebipolar rectifier 605, in the present embodiment, allows the bipolarrectifier 605 to be grounded by attachment of the body ground padeye 603to the body of the vehicle at any convenient point close to thetransmitter 430.

[0070] Beneficially, the bipolar rectifier 605, for example, a diodebridge rectifier, provides accommodation for positive or negative bodygrounding schemes in host vehicles. In most vehicles, the wired turnsignal lamps 232, 234 are activated by switching the positive polarityon and off with a fixed return provided by local grounding of the signallamps to the vehicle body. In some vehicles, however, the vehicle bodyis positively grounded, and the grounded polarity is switched on andoff. The bipolar rectifier 605 allows for installation without concernfor the grounding scheme of the host vehicle by providing an output tothe left signal rectifier diode 615 and the right signal rectifier diode625 wherein the positive polarity is switched on and off regardless ofthe host vehicle's grounding scheme; thus, installation is simplifiedbecause an installer need not be concerned with the polarity of the hostvehicle's body.

[0071] A less common circuit scheme for wired signal displays, e.g.,turn signal lamps, brake lamps, reverse gear lamps and hazard lamps thatare integral with the vehicle 200, brings the vehicle's 12 volt supplyto each lamp without switching, and illuminates the wired signaldisplays by completing their return paths to body ground. When such acircuit scheme is encountered, the left signal monitoring line 270 andthe right signal monitoring line 280 are connected with line taps to theleft and right wired display lamps' switched ground return cables,respectively (not shown). In this embodiment, the body ground padeye 603is electrically coupled to an unswitched 12 volt cable with aninsulation displacement tap.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the bipolar rectifier 605 has a leftsignal output 606 and a right signal output 608 that are electricallycoupled to the left signal rectifier diode 615 and the right signalrectifier diode 625, respectively. The bipolar rectifier 605 provides,via the left signal output 606 or the right signal output 608, positivesignal pulses regardless of the type of grounding scheme a body of thehost vehicle has.

[0073] Beneficially, power to operate the programmable serial encoder630, the RF transmitter 640, and the data framing clock 650 may bederived from either the left or right signal pulses from the left signaloutput 606 or the right signal output 608, respectively. Energy from theleft signal pulses and the right signal pulses is passed by the leftsignal rectifier diode 615 and the right signal rectifier diode 625respectively into the storage capacitor 620. The storage capacitor 620functions to maintain an acceptable level of power to the programmableserial encoder 630, the RF transmitter 640, and the data framing clock650 by storing energy received from either the left or the right signalpulses and providing power in between the received left or right signalpulses to the programmable serial encoder 630, the RF transmitter 640,and the data framing clock 650. In one embodiment, the storage capacitor620 is approximately 2200 microfarads so that it produces a sustainingvoltage with a nominal average value of 9.2 volts, and a ripplemagnitude that is determined by the pulse repetition rate. Thesustaining voltage, (illustrated as V.sub.SUS in FIG. 6), is provided tothe programmable serial encoder 630, the RF transmitter 640, and thedata framing clock 650. Thus, the transmitter 430, in the presentembodiment, receives operating power from either of the signalmonitoring lines 270, 280. Those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the capacitor size and precise circuitry may be varied todeal with varying energy levels received by signal pulses and to meetthe particular power demands of the hardware utilized for theprogrammable serial encoder 630, the RF transmitter 640, and the dataframing clock 650.

[0074] The ability of the transmitter 430 to receive power from eitherthe left or right signal driveline 250, 260, via the left signalmonitoring line 270 or the right signal monitoring line 280,respectively, allows the transmitter 430 to be installed without havingto locate power lines within the vehicle to operate the transmitter 430.Thus, installation is simplified and less expensive because laborotherwise required to feed wires from a power source within a vehicle tothe transmitter 430 is avoided, and additional parts needed, e.g., wiresand connectors, to do so are unnecessary.

[0075] The left and right signals provided by the bipolar rectifier 605are also supplied to a left signal input 632 (illustrated as BRITE LEFTin FIG. 6) and a right signal input 634 (illustrated as BRITE RIGHT inFIG. 6) of the programmable serial data encoder 630. In the presentembodiment, the programmable serial data encoder 630 pulse modulates theRF transmitter 640 at a radio frequency of 315 MHz, but it should berecognized that the programmable serial data encoder 630 may pulsemodulate the RF transmitter 640 at other frequencies. Generallyfrequencies within the range of about 88 megahertz to about 4 gigahertzare technically feasible for pulse modulating the RF transmitter 640,however, many intervening bands across this frequency range will beunsuitable due to domestic and foreign regulatory assignments andrestrictions.

[0076] In order to encode the signal to be transmitted, so that onlydesired receivers can use the signal, the programmable serial dataencoder 630, in the present embodiment, employs a serial protocolconsisting of a signal recognition preamble of various bits, followed bya data stream of 10 bits, and a stop suffix of various bits. The first 8bits of this data stream uniquely identify the transmitter 430 with oneof 256 possible addresses that also identifies the desired receiver inthe same vehicle. The ninth and tenth bits indicate whether thetransmitted signal is a left or right turn signal. It is recognized thatthe transmitter 430, in other embodiments, may use any known method ofencoding the signal for identification purposes including those methodsfor error detection and error correction.

[0077] The data recognition stream may be inexpensively developed from anumber of serial fusing links 631 (e.g., ten serial fusing links 631)coupled with the programmable serial data encoder 630 and located on aPC board (not shown) supporting the programmable serial data encoder630. As is known to one of ordinary skill in the art, the serial fusinglinks 631 may each be opened or closed (i.e., fused), and any binarypattern of open and closed fused links may be created. As discussedfurther herein with reference to FIG. 7, a pattern of open and closedfuse links within the serial fusing links 631 is established, i.e., auser selectable code is established, and a matching pattern of open andclosed fuse links is similarly established on a decoder of the receiver.In this way, a particular transmitter may be programmed by selecting apattern of open and closed serial fusing links 631 that match thepattern of open and closed fuse links of a particular receiver so thatthe particular transmitter may communicate only with that particularreceiver.

[0078] The data framing clock 650, coupled to the programmable serialencoder 630, provides inherently accurate framing for the programmableserial encoder 630. In the present embodiment, the data framing clock650 is an oscillator that employs the crystal 655 which may be aninexpensive crystal (like those used in watches) that oscillates at32.760 MHz to establish a framing time interval at 30.518 microseconds.

[0079] The RF transmitter 640 is coupled to the transmission antenna 670via the impedance matching network 660. In the present embodiment, thesignal (e.g., the receiver activation signal that corresponds to avehicle indication signal of the vehicle indication signal drive line),in the form of a pulse modulated signal, is carried via the impedancematching network to the antenna 670 and radiated by the antenna 670 intosurrounding space to be received by the remote vehicle signal indicator400. In the present embodiment, the impedance matching network is apassive impedance matching network that facilitates more efficienttransfer of the transmitter's output energy into the antenna andsurrounding space.

[0080] In several embodiments, as discussed with reference to FIG. 2,the antenna 670 is a straight line quarter wavelength “whip” or“longwire” antenna that may be a quarter-wave resonant trace on atransmitter board with an overall length of 8.9 inches. In yet otherembodiments, the antenna 670 is a coiled loop antenna having a compleximpedance matched to the complex impedance of the RF transmitter 640.Preferably, the coiled loop antenna is fabricated as an etched trace ona printed circuit board, however, this fabrication technique iscertainly not required and other fabrication techniques commonly knownto one of ordinary skill in the art are not precluded.

[0081] In still other embodiments, the antenna 670 may be integrated asa resonant helix in an oscillator tank circuit of the RF transmitter640. Methods of integrating these helix antennae into transmittercircuits are commonly known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0082] Although particular antenna designs are disclosed, other designsare contemplated and well within the scope of the present invention.

[0083] Referring next to FIG. 7, shown is a functional block diagram ofthe functional subcomponents of one embodiment of the receiver 460, thepower supply 470, the display driver 480, and the display 490 of FIG. 4.Shown is a receiving antenna 702, a radio frequency (RF) amplifier 705,a mixer 710, a local oscillator 720, an intermediate frequency (IF)amplifier 725, an automatic gain controller 730 (also referred to as AGC730), a signal detector 735, a decoder 740, fusing links 741(alternatively referred to as cuttable links 741), a data framing clock742, a decoding oscillator 744, a boost switching supply 745, a digitalcontrol logic module 750, a solar panel 755, a battery 760, a wake upand sample timer 765, a display driver 770, a signal indicator display775, and an AND gate 780.

[0084] In operation, the receiving antenna 702 receives the receiveractivation signal in the form of a modulated carrier wave, which may bea pulse modulated signal, transmitted from the transmitter 430. Inseveral embodiments, the receiving antenna 702 is a straight linequarter wavelength “whip” or “longwire” antenna. In yet otherembodiments, the antenna 702 is a coiled loop antenna having a compleximpedance matched to the complex impedance of an input to the RFamplifier 705. Preferably, the coiled loop antenna is fabricated as anetched trace on a printed circuit board, however, this fabricationtechnique is certainly not required and other fabrication techniquescommonly known to one of ordinary skill in the art are not precluded. Instill other embodiments, the receiving antenna 702 may be integrated asa helix in the RF amplifier 705. Methods of integrating these helixantennae into receiver circuits are commonly known to one of ordinaryskill in the art.

[0085] The receiving antenna 702 is coupled to the RF amplifier 705. TheRF amplifier 705 is coupled to the local oscillator 720 and the IFamplifier 725 at the mixer 710. An output of the IF amplifier 725 iscoupled to an input of the AGC 730 and a signal detector 735, and anoutput of the AGC is coupled to the IF amplifier 725 and the RFamplifier 705.

[0086] In one embodiment, the receiver 460 of FIG. 4 includes the RFamplifier 705, the mixer 710, the IF amplifier 725, the local oscillator720, the AGC 730, the signal detector 735, the decoder 740, the dataframing clock 742, the digital control logic 750, and the wake up andsample timer 765. The RF amplifier 705, mixer 710, local oscillator 720and IF amplifier are components of a typical integrated superheterodynereceiver which is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0087] In operation, the receiving antenna 702 provides the receiveractivation signal in the form of a modulated carrier wave to the RFamplifier 705 where the receiver activation signal is amplified by theRF amplifier 705 and then mixed at the mixer 710 with a signal from thelocal oscillator 720 to produce a signal at an intermediate frequencythat is fed into the IF amplifier 725 for amplification.

[0088] The AGC 730 accepts the output of the IF amplifier and applies avariable DC gain control voltage to the RF amplifier 705 and the IFamplifier 725 so that a stable signal is provided by the IF amplifier725 to an input of the signal detector 735. This signal is illustratedas V.sub.IF in FIG. 7.

[0089] The signal detector 735 receives the stable signal (V.sub.IF)from the IF amplifier 725 and produces a signal in the form of astreaming digital output 738, with zeros denoted by long pulses, andones denoted by shorter pulses. This streaming digital output 738 isprovided to the signal decoder 740. The signal detector 735 in thepresent embodiment incorporates “preamble” decoding logic to recognizeand synchronize the incoming data to the programmable serial dataencoder 630 in the transmitter. As discussed with reference to FIG. 6,an 10-bit serial data stream uniquely identifies the transmitter and thedirection turn signal.

[0090] The streaming digital output 738 of the signal detector 735 isreceived by the decoder 740 as a signal in the form of a streamingdigital input. The data framing clock 742 in the present embodiment isidentical to the data framing clock 650 in the transmitter, and providesan accurate frame time that may be 30.518 microseconds for the streamingdigital input. In the present embodiment, the decoder 740 compares thestreaming digital input to a sequential pattern which may be defined bya number of thin, fusing links 741, e.g., ten fusing links 741. Asdiscussed with reference to FIG. 6, the pattern of fusing links 741 onthe decoder 740 is made to be the same as the pattern of fusing orcuttable links on the programmable serial data encoder 630. When anincoming pattern of the streaming digital input matches the sequentialpattern defined by the fusing links 741, the decoder 740 provides anenable signal 743 to the display driver 770. The enable signal 743places the signal indicator display 775 in a state of readiness withoutilluminating the display by forming one input of the two input AND gate780 so that the display driver 770 may drive the signal indicatordisplay 775 when a signal 752 is received by the other input to the ANDgate 780.

[0091] To minimize receiver power consumption at the remote vehiclesignal indicator 400 when monitoring for a receiver activation signal,e.g., a turn signal, brake, hazard or reverse gear indicator signals,the wake up and sample timer 765, coupled with the digital control logic750 and the battery 760, cycles the electrical components of thereceiver on and off, as discussed further herein, to reduce the powerconsumption of the remote vehicle signal indicator 700.

[0092] The wake up and sample timer 765, which may be a low power CMOSwake and sample timer, runs continuously from power supplied by thebattery 760, and controls the boost switching supply 745 via controllogic 750 which, in this embodiment, sends a “wakeup” signal 762 to thedigital control logic 750 every 1.9 seconds, and the digital controllogic 750, in response to the wakeup signal 762, activates the boostswitching supply 745 by sending a boost signal 764 to the boostswitching supply.

[0093] In one embodiment, the power supply 470 of FIG. 4 is comprised ofthe boost switching supply 745, the solar panel 755, a Schottkyrectifier diode 756, and the battery 760. The battery 760 in oneembodiment is a 2.4 volt rechargeable battery which may be twonickel-metal-hydride panels configured in series at 1.2 volts each toprovide a total of 2.4 volts.

[0094] The boost switching supply 745 increases a voltage from thebattery which may be 2.4 volts to a voltage awake power (illustrated asV.sub.AP in FIG. 7) that may be about 8 volts. The V.sub.AP is suppliedto cycled receiver elements that, in the present embodiment, include theRF amplifier 705, the mixer 710, the IF amplifier 725, the localoscillator 720, the AGC 730, the signal detector 735, and the decoder740. The V.sub.AP, in this embodiment, is applied to these elements fora period of 100 milliseconds to allow sufficient time for transientsettling in the receiver, and an appropriate “listening”, i.e.,monitoring interval, to determine if a receiver activation signal isentering the antenna 702. Thus, in this embodiment, the boost switchingsupply 745 is providing continuous power to the cycled receiver elementsindicated above for 100 milliseconds in a two-second time period.

[0095] If there is no receiver activation signal received during the 100millisecond “awake interval”, the wake up and sample timer 765 removesthe wake up signal 762 from the digital control logic 750, and inresponse, the digital control logic 750 removes the boost signal 764from the boost switching supply 745; thus, deactivating the boostswitching supply 745, and removing the V.sub.AP from the cycled receiverelements. As a result, during any two-second interval when no receiveractivation signal is received, the V.sub.AP voltage is applied to thecycled receiver elements discussed above for only 100 milliseconds. Inother words, when no receiver activation signal is detected, power isapplied to the receiver elements only five percent of the time; thus,economizing the use of stored energy in the battery 760. This economicaluse of the stored energy in the battery is important so that the storedenergy is consumed at a rate low enough to provide power to the receiverelements through periods when solar exposure is low or almostnon-existent, e.g., at night. Under such low solar energy conditions,the battery 760 may not be recharged with energy from the solar panel755 at a rate at which energy is used by the receiver elements; thus,this economical use of stored energy during monitoring for the receiveractivation signal helps to maximize the time the remote vehicle signalindicator 400 is operable before the stored energy is exhausted.

[0096] When a vehicle activation signal is received during the 100millisecond awake interval, the signal detector 735 outputs anaffirmative signal 736 (that corresponds to the vehicle indicationsignal on the signal drive line(s) 250, 260) to the digital controllogic 750. In response to the affirmative signal 736, the digitalcontrol logic 750 sets an internal flag and keeps the boost switchingsupply 745 functioning by providing the boost signal 764 to the boostswitching power supply 745 for about 30 seconds; thus, over-riding thewake-up and sample timer 765 for that period of about 30 seconds. As aresult, V.sub.AP is applied to the cycled receiver elements for about 30seconds to anticipate the next signal.

[0097] During the period of about 30 seconds when V.sub.AP is applied tothe cycled receiver elements, in one embodiment, the digital controllogic 750, in response to the affirmative signal 736, provides a signal752, e.g., in the form of one or more pulse(s), to the display driver770. In one embodiment, the signal 752 is a pulsed signal having a pulsewidth approximately equal to the pulse width of the vehicle indicationsignal on the signal drive line(s) 250, 260 generated within the vehicle200.

[0098] The signal 752 provided by the digital control logic 750 isreceived by the AND gate 780 and is logically ANDED, with the enablesignal 743 received from the decoder 740 so that when both the enablesignal 743 is received from the decoder 740 and the signal 752 isreceived from the digital control logic 750, a remote vehicle indicationsignal 756, generally referred to as a display signal, is generated thatcorresponds to (i.e., has a frequency similar to) the vehicle indicationsignal on the signal drive line(s) 250, 260 generated within the vehicle200. The remote vehicle indication signal 756 drives the signalindicator display 775 so that the signal indicator display 775illuminates synchronously with the wired signal indicators (vehicleindication signals) generated within the vehicle 200. Thus, anilluminated display, in response to a receiver activation signal, isprovided by the remote vehicle signal indicator 700 that emulates anexisting wired signal display.

[0099] Beneficially, the remote vehicle signal indicator 700 may beconstructed so as to generate sufficient power to be isolated from powersources within the vehicle. In one embodiment, one terminal of the solarpanel 755, as shown in FIG. 7, is connected to the positive terminal ofthe battery 760 through a Schottky rectifier diode 756. The otherterminal of the solar panel 755 is connected to the negative terminal ofthe battery 755.

[0100] In one embodiment, the solar panel 755 is an amorphous siliconsolar panel with an effective collection area of 3.6 square inches and atypical minimum output in bright, direct sunlight of 20 milliamps atfour volts. The solar panel 755 in one embodiment continuously andvariably trickle-charges the battery 755 which is composed of twoprecharged nickel-metal-hydride cells in series at 1.2 volts each;thereby making the battery 2.4 volts. In another embodiment, the battery755 is a lead/acid gel cell, which is more tolerant of trickle chargingthan most newer battery chemistries.

[0101] The Schottky rectifier diode 756 prevents battery dischargethrough the solar panel 755 during low light conditions. In thenickel-metal-hydride embodiment, a constant current charging circuit isnot required because the cells are trickle charged at currents below theratio of (C/20) amps, wherein C is the battery capacity inmilliamp-hours and 20 is a number of hours.

[0102] Thus, in several embodiments, the remote vehicle signal indicator700 is able to operate from power generated by the solar panel 756without supplemental power from other power sources. As a result, theremote vehicle signal indicator 700 may be located upon a vehiclewithout concern for the proximity of power sources resident within thevehicle.

[0103] Referring next to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, shown are alternativeembodiments of the present invention. Shown in FIG. 8A is the vehicle200, a trailer 810 and wireless left turn signal indicators 805(referred to generally as remote vehicle signal indicators). Shown inFIG. 8B is a tractor-trailer 820 having an oversized trailer 825,wireless left turn signal indicators 805, and wireless brake signalindicators 815 (referred to generally as remote vehicle signalindicators).

[0104] Referring to FIG. 8A, the vehicle 200 includes a side view mirrorassembly 120, and the side view mirror assembly 120 has one of thewireless left turn signal indicators 805 attached to its reflectivesurface 130. The vehicle 200 is further coupled to a trailer 810 whichhas two wireless left turn signal indicators 805 affixed to a leftexterior face of the trailer 810.

[0105] In practice, when the wireless left turn signal indicators 805receive a receiver activation signal that corresponds to a left turnsignal, the wireless left turn signal indicator affixed to the side viewmirror assembly 120, as well as the two wireless left turn signalindicators 805 affixed to the trailer, respond with an illuminateddisplay that corresponds to the wired left turn indicators of thevehicle 200. Thus, supplemental turn signal coverage is provided so thatwhen, for example, other motorists are approaching from the rear of thevehicle, but are approximately even with the trailer 810, the wirelessleft turn signal indicators 805 on the trailer provide additionalstimulus to the approaching motorist which may be very beneficial whenthe view of the vehicle's existing wired indicators are obstructed bythe trailer itself and the driver of the vehicle is initiating a leftturn. Although the left side of the vehicle 200 and the left side of thetrailer 810 are shown, it should be understood that the right side ofthe vehicle and the trailer may be equipped in the same manner withwireless right turn signal indicators (not shown) that respond in thesame manner to a receiver activation signal that is representative of aright turn signal.

[0106] Beneficially, the wireless left turn signal indicators 805 neednot be fed with wires from within the vehicle 200 to receive eitherpower or the vehicle activation signal. Thus, a vehicle that is notequipped with a signal driveline coupling assembly located near itshitch may have the wireless left turn signal indicators 805 and wirelessright turn signal indicators (not shown) added without having to feedwires from the body of the vehicle 200 to the trailer 810, makinginstallation simple and inexpensive.

[0107] Referring next to FIG. 8B, connected with the left external faceof the oversized trailer 825 are two wireless left turn signalindicators 805, and connected with the rear external face of theoversized trailer 825 are two wireless brake signal indicators 815.

[0108] In practice, the wireless left turn signal indicators 805 operatein the same manner in response to a receiver activation signalcorresponding to a left turn signal as do the wireless left turn signalindicators 805 discussed in reference to FIG. 8A. The two wireless brakesignal indicators 815, however, are responsive to a vehicle activationsignal that corresponds to a wired brake signal indicator of the tractortrailer 820. Thus, when a driver of the tractor-trailer 820 equippedwith one or more transmitter(s), such as the transmitters 205, 210 ofFIG. 2, applies the brakes, a receiver activation signal is transmittedby transmitters within the tractor trailer 820 and received by thewireless brake signal indicators 815 that supplement the existing wiredbrake lamps of the tractor trailer 820. In response, the wireless brakesignal indicators 815 respond with a steady illuminated display forapproximately the same period of time as the brakes are applied.

[0109] Again, the wireless left turn signal indicators 805 and thewireless brake signal indicators 815 provide supplemental notificationto other drivers and pedestrians of impending turning and immediatebraking that might otherwise go unnoticed.

[0110] It should be recognized that supplemental wireless hazard signalindicators and/or reverse gear signal indicators may be implemented inmuch the same manner as shown with the left turn signal indicators 805and the brake signal indicators 815.

[0111] Referring next to FIG. 9, shown is another embodiment of thepresent invention in which solar panels that are physically isolatedfrom the remote vehicle signal indicators 100 supply power to one ormore remote vehicle signal indicators 100. Shown is an oversized trailer905 of a tractor-trailer truck having a first solar panel 910, a secondsolar panel 915, a first left turn signal indicator 920, a second leftturn signal indicator 925, and two hazard signal indicators 930(referred to generally as remote vehicle signal indicators).

[0112] The first solar panel 910, located on the exterior top of andnear the front of the oversized trailer, is coupled, e.g., with wire, tothe left turn signal indicator, located on a left exterior face of theoversized trailer 905, and a right turn signal indicator (not shown)located on a right exterior face of the oversized trailer 905. Thesecond solar panel 915, located on the exterior top of and near the rearof the oversized trailer is coupled, e.g., with wire, to the second leftturn signal indicator 925, located on the left exterior face of theoversized trailer 905 and a second right turn signal indicator (notshown) located on the right exterior face of the oversized trailer 905.Additionally, the second solar panel 915 is electrically coupled to twohazard signal indicators 930 located on the rear exterior face of theoversized trailer 905.

[0113] In practice, the first solar panel 910 collects solar energy andsupplies electrical energy to charge a battery supply of the first leftturn signal indicator 920 and the first right turn signal indicator (notshown). The electrical energy is stored by each of the first turn signalindicators, as discussed in reference to FIG. 7, by a storage device,e.g., a rechargeable battery.

[0114] Similarly, the second solar panel 915 collects solar energy andsupplies electrical energy to the second left turn signal indicator 925,the second right turn signal indicator (not shown), and the two hazardsignal indicators 930 where the electrical energy is stored in each ofthe signal indicators, as discussed in reference to FIG. 7, by a storagedevice, e.g., a rechargeable battery.

[0115] Beneficially, the first solar panel 910 and the second solarpanel 915 are more likely to have direct solar exposure than otherembodiments; thus, providing a potentially greater source of power. Inaddition, collector sizes of the first and second solar panels 910, 915do not have the same design constraints, e.g., a small or irregularshaped mounting surface, when located on a surface, e.g., the roof, of avehicle as do solar panels which are integrated with a housing of aremote vehicle signal indicator 100. Therefore, the first and secondsolar panels 910, 915 may be larger than solar panels integrated with ahousing of the remote vehicle signal indicators 100; thus, more energymay be collected over a shorter period of time allowing for more rapidbattery recharge times.

[0116] While the invention herein disclosed has been described by meansof specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modificationsand variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A remote vehicle signal indicator system for avehicle comprising: a transmitter coupled to a vehicle indication signaldrive line of the vehicle, the transmitter configured to wirelesslytransmit a receiver activation signal corresponding to a vehicleindication signal of the vehicle indication signal drive line whereinthe vehicle indication signal is selected from the group consisting of aturn signal, a brake signal, a reverse gear signal, and a hazard signal;and a remote vehicle signal indicator coupled to a surface outside ofthe vehicle, the remote vehicle signal indicator including a signalindicator display, the remote vehicle signal indicator configured toreceive the receiver activation signal from the transmitter and, inresponse, activate the signal indicator display.
 2. The remote vehiclesignal indicator system of claim 1 wherein the transmitter is configuredto receive operating power from the vehicle indication signal of thevehicle indication signal drive line.
 3. The remote vehicle signalindicator system of claim 1 further comprising a power supply forpowering the remote vehicle signal indicator wherein the power supply iselectrically isolated from any power source within the vehicle.
 4. Theremote vehicle signal indicator system of claim 3 wherein the powersupply comprises a solar panel, wherein the solar panel provides energyto power the remote vehicle signal indicator.
 5. The remote vehiclesignal indicator system of claim 3 further comprising a housingcontaining the remote vehicle signal indicator and the power supply. 6.The remote vehicle signal indicator system of claim 1 wherein thetransmitter comprises an encoder for encoding the receiver activationsignal such that the receiver activation signal may be decoded only bythe remote vehicle signal indicator.
 7. The remote vehicle signalindicator system of claim 1 wherein the surface outside of the vehiclecomprises a surface of a structure being towed by the vehicle.
 8. Theremote vehicle signal indicator system of claim 1 wherein the surfaceoutside of the vehicle comprises a side view mirror of the vehicle andthe signal indicator display comprises a turn signal indicator display.9. A remote vehicle signal indicator of a remote vehicle signalindicator system for a vehicle comprising: a housing coupled to asurface outside of the vehicle; a receiver within the housing, thereceiver configured to wirelessly receive receiver activation signalsfrom a transmitter coupled to the vehicle, the receiver activationsignals corresponding to vehicle indication signals generated by thevehicle wherein the vehicle indication signals are selected from thegroup consisting of a turn signal, a brake signal, reverse gear signaland a hazard signal; and a signal indicator display coupled to thereceiver and configured to display, in response to a received receiveractivation signal, a remote vehicle indication signal corresponding tothe vehicle indication signals generated by the vehicle.
 10. The remotevehicle signal indicator of claim 9 further comprising a power supplyfor providing power to the receiver and the signal indicator display.11. The remote vehicle signal indicator of claim 10 wherein the powersupply comprises a solar panel, wherein the solar panel provides energyto operate the receiver, and the signal indicator display.
 12. Theremote vehicle signal indicator of claim 10 wherein the power supply iscontained in the housing.
 13. The remote vehicle signal indicator ofclaim 9 wherein the surface outside of the vehicle is a surface of aside view mirror and the signal indicator display comprises a turnsignal indicator display.
 14. The remote vehicle signal indicator ofclaim 9 wherein the receiver is a radio frequency receiver.
 15. Atransmitting device of a remote vehicle signal indicator system for avehicle comprising: a housing attached to the vehicle; a signalmonitoring line coupled to a vehicle indication signal drive line of thevehicle, the signal monitoring line configured to receive vehicleindication signals from the vehicle indication signal drive line whereinthe vehicle indication signals are selected from the group consisting ofa turn signal, a brake signal, reverse gear signal and a hazard signal;a transmitter within the housing and coupled to the signal monitoringline, the transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit a receiveractivation signal corresponding to the vehicle indication signals of thevehicle indication signal drive line to a remote vehicle signalindicator located outside of the vehicle, in order to provide additionalsignal displays to those coupled to the vehicle indication signal driveline.
 16. The transmitting device of claim 15 wherein the transmitterreceives operating power from the signal monitoring line.
 17. Thetransmitting device of claim 15 wherein the transmitter is a radiofrequency transmitter.
 18. The transmitting device of claim 15 whereinthe transmitter comprises an encoder for encoding the receiveractivation signal so that only particular receivers can decode thereceiver activation signal.
 19. A method of providing additional vehiclesignal indicators for a vehicle comprising: wirelessly receiving areceiver activation signal at a remote vehicle signal indicator coupledto a surface outside of the vehicle wherein the receiver activationsignal is transmitted from the vehicle, the receiver activation signalcorresponding to a vehicle indication signal generated within thevehicle wherein the vehicle indication signal is selected from the groupconsisting of a turn signal, a brake signal, a reverse gear signal, anda hazard signal; and displaying, in response to the wirelesslyreceiving, a remote vehicle indication signal corresponding to thevehicle indication signal generated within the vehicle, in order toprovide additional signal displays to those provided within the vehicle.20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: detecting the vehicleindication signal generated within the vehicle; and transmitting from atransmitter, in response to the detecting, the receiver activationsignal corresponding to the vehicle indication signal generated withinthe vehicle to the remote vehicle signal indicator.
 21. The method ofclaim 20 further comprising: powering the remote vehicle signalindicator with a power supply electrically isolated from the vehicle.22. The method of claim 21 wherein the powering step comprises poweringthe remote vehicle signal indicator from solar energy received at thesolar panel.
 23. The method of claim 20 wherein the step of transmittingincludes encoding the receiver activation signal so that unintendedremote vehicle signal indicators can not decode the receiver activationsignal.
 24. The method of claim 20 further comprising: derivingoperating power for the transmitter from the vehicle indication signal.